Toyota FCV: hydrogen-powered concept revealed

The Toyota FCV concept has been revealed ahead of its world premiere at this month’s Tokyo motor show, previewing a future hydrogen fuel cell-powered hybrid production car planned to launch in 2015.

A follow-up to the FCV-R concept from September’s Frankfurt motor show, the four-seat Toyota FCV concept is claimed to have a refuelling time of three minutes and a driving range of “at least 500km” â€" down from the FCV-R’s claimed range of up to 830km.

Differentiated from earlier concepts â€" this year’s FCV-R and a version shown at the 2011 Tokyo motor show â€" the FCV has a new grille, new front bumper with large side air intakes, a new bonnet and is finished in an alternative blue hue.

Vents flowing from the headlights to the A-pillars and new wheels wrapped in blue-striped Bridgestone tyres complete the exterior package along with a rear end that Toyota says was “inspired by the stern of a catamaran”.

The water vapour-emitting concept is powered by a compact 3kW per litre fuel cell stack, producing “at least 100kW”, two 70MPa high-pressure hydrogen tanks and a high-efficiency boost converter to increase voltage.

The Toyota FCV will share the Japanese manufacturer’s Tokyo stand with the FV2 (Fun Vehicle 2) â€" a vehicle that connects driver and transport via a smartphone app â€" and a new-look ‘Flash Red’ version of the FT-86 Open concept first seen at Geneva.

Designed to create a more intimate relationship between vehicle and driver, which Toyota says is “similar to the trust and understanding that might exist between a rider and their horse,” the FV2 is steered by body weight rather than a conventional steering wheel. It also employs an “augmented reality” windscreen display and offers drivers the ability to change its exterior body colour “at will”.

Toyota says it will also unveil three Japanese domestic market models at its home show, including a next-generation taxi concept and two futuristic seven-seat minivans â€" one petrol and one hybrid.

The 43rd Tokyo motor show opens its doors on November 20.

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